Your turn! From Austin Orthodontics

Week after week, we blog about important topics pertinent to orthodontic care and your well-being, including innovative orthodontic techniques we offer. This week, we thought we’d step back and ask you, our wonderful patients: what’s on your mind? What would you like to know about the always-changing field of orthodontics? What would you like us to focus on our blog? Perhaps there’s something you’ve been wanting to ask us for a while now? Let us know by posting here or on our interactive Facebook fan page!
So… take it away and we’ll try to answer any questions you may have!

New Contest at Austin Orthodontics

Don't forget, our new contest is running now through May. Please check with our front desk for details to win a $100 Amazon.com gift card!

When Are Two Phases of Treatment Necessary?

Usually patients in orthodontic treatment already have their permanent teeth – they are pre-teens, teens and adults. But in some cases we have to start treatment earlier, even before the patient’s permanent teeth come in. We call this “two-phase treatment.”

When we have patients with clear developmental problems at an early age, it’s best to start work when they are young, before the problems get bigger and more difficult to treat.

Examples include:
• An upper or lower jaw that is not growing correctly
• A mouth growing in a way that doesn’t leave enough room for all the permanent teeth to come in
• A severe malocclusion, or bad bite, which means the jaw doesn’t fit together correctly

In these cases we will start early and do one round of treatment – phase one – while the patient still has their baby teeth. Phase one usually does not involve braces, but can include a different type of appliance that helps the jaw grow into place properly. We’ll follow up with phase two usually a few years later, when permanent teeth are in place. Generally phase two involves standard braces.

In order to catch early problems, we recommend that children have an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven (and so does the American Association of Orthodontics). However, if your dentist or pediatrician sees any sign that early treatment might be necessary, he or she may recommend your child visit our office even sooner.

If you are looking for additional information about early treatment, check out the information on our web site.

The advantage of Invisalign Teen™ at Austin Orthodontics

At an age when image is so important, the thought of having metal brackets and wires constantly attached to teeth may intensify the already-delicate confidence of today's teens. But... not to worry! There is a clear alternative to traditional braces! The team at Austin Orthodontics thought we'd remind you that Invisalign Teen™ gives you a whole new way to wear braces for a "clearly" amazing smile!

For many teens, Invisalign Teen offers a trouble-free, clear alternative to traditional braces; and not only that, but it offers them the chance to have straight teeth without losing self-confidence!

So how does Invisalign Teen work? Much in the same fashion as Invisalign, but with a few added characteristics tailored specifically to teenagers’ lifestyles. For instance, Invisalign Teen is designed with “compliance indicators” that fade from dark to light during the two week period that particular tray is used and once it has faded teens know to change trays. Each aligner comes with up to six free individual replacement aligners in case the original aligner ends up lost or broken. Another big benefit for the patient!

The treatment period for Invisalign Teen varies from nine to 18 months. If your teen is considering orthodontic treatment, please contact us and we’ll answer any questions you may have about Invisalign Teen.

--Dr. Nelson and Dr. Burgess

Ask Austin Orthodontics: Why is it so important to have straight teeth?

Some people wonder why Drs. Nelson and Burgess and our team at Austin Orthodontics work tirelessly to give our patients straight teeth. Of course it’s nice to have a smile full of evenly aligned teeth, but did you know that straightening your teeth can keep them healthier?

Straight teeth lead to better oral hygiene, increasing your chances of keeping your own natural teeth for a lifetime! Straight teeth are less prone to decay, because they collect less plaque—the sticky colorless substance that forms on our teeth and leads to tooth decay; and they are easier to keep clean! At Austin Orthodontics, we utilize our computer-assisted diagnosis and treatment planning software to provide a visual treatment objective. This is the most accurate and predictable method of orthodontic treatment planning to date.

If you’re wondering whether your teeth might cause problems because they are out of alignment, please give us a call to set up a consultation. Dr. Nelson can help you decide whether or not you will benefit from orthodontic treatment.

What are patients saying about Austin Orthodontics?

A few weeks ago, our team at Austin Orthodontics asked you, our valued patients, what you liked most about your treatment. Well, we received some pretty great reviews, and thought we’d share a few with you today. Please feel free to contribute your own thoughts about our office! Drs. Nelson and Burgess, as well as our team love getting patient testimonials!

"Knowledge and experience of both Dr. Nelson and his staff, plus the comfort level and atmosphere at the facility." ~ Cathy A.

"Thoroughly explains. Conservative approach to treatment. Cutting edge knowledge. Easy to talk to. Wonderful atmosphere and staff. I have been with him for 10 years, and I can easily say, I never doubt him or his advice. That is a terrific feeling." ~ Scott G.

"I completely trust Dr. Nelson. He has done wonderful work on all of us! His staff is great!" ~ Steve G.

"Being able to look at my pictures, seeing when my appointment is, and being able to sign up for text messaging! I live through my texts!" ~ Linda B.

"I absolutely love my orthodontist and his staff. They are so amazingly friendly. I felt welcomed when I entered the office and everyone had the most beautiful smiles on their faces. It felt like they were a family and I wouldn't want to be anywhere else other than with my family, so Thanks Dr. Nelson and staff for making my visits and care there a comfortable and exciting experience." ~ Deirdre S.

Austin Orthodontics are adding a second office!

Austin Orthodontics is very excited to announce a second office to accommodate our growing practice. In March 2010 we will be opening the second office temporarily located in The Shops at Riverplace located at 10601 RR 2222, Suite P, Austin, TX 78730. We will be in the same shopping center as Rice, Pizza Hut and PostNet.

Above are the plans for our new temporary location. We will be breaking ground on a permanent new office behind the IBC Bank connected to the parking lot of the temporary office. The new permanent office should be completed early next year. We are beginning to take appointments for this new, temporary office. Drs. Nelson and Burgess will continue to treat at both locations.

Check back soon for updates!